Chapter 121
Alex's POV
The words hit harder than I wanted to admit. My spine went rigid, but I forced my voice to remain steady.
"Grace would never abandon me when I'm vulnerable," I said, though something cold settled in my chest. "She's not like that."
"You're so sure?" Violet pressed, sensing weakness. "You're willing to let Grace know she's sleeping next to someone who might not be able to control himself? Someone who might—"
"Shut up." The words came out low and dangerous, cutting through the hotel lobby like a blade.
Violet's words hung in the air like poison. I stared at her, my jaw clenched so tight I could feel my teeth grinding.
"If you think Grace's trust in me is blind, then you're delusional," I said, my voice cutting through the space between us like ice. "Questioning whether she truly knows me? That's rich, coming from someone who betrayed me."
She stepped closer, her eyes bright with desperation. "Alex, please. You know I never betrayed you. You're the one being too decisive, too harsh—"
"Stop." The word came out sharp enough to make her flinch.
I moved toward her then, close enough that she had to tilt her head back to meet my eyes. I watched the color drain from her face as she took in whatever she saw there. Good. She should be afraid.
"Let me make something crystal clear," I said, my voice low and deadly calm. "If Grace can't accept who I am—all of who I am—then I'll accept that consequence."
I turned to walk away, but her voice stopped me.
"Alex, wait—"
I didn't look back. "We're done here, Violet. Don't make me say it again."
Behind me, I heard the soft sound of her stumbling, probably reaching for a chair to steady herself.
---
The door clicked shut behind me, and only then did I allow my carefully constructed composure to crumble. My shoulders sagged as I sank into the armchair by the window, staring out at the mountain peaks shrouded in darkness.
Violet's words echoed in my mind like a curse.
The familiar weight of dread settled in my chest, heavy and suffocating.
I pulled out my phone, hesitating about whether to call Grace. It was late—too late. But I needed to hear her voice more than I needed air.
"Alex?" Her voice was soft, sleepy. "Is everything okay?"
"Sorry for waking you," I said, already feeling calmer just hearing her voice. "I just... suddenly missed you a little."
I heard the rustle of sheets, could picture her sitting up in bed.
"You never need to apologize for calling me," she said, and I could hear the smile in her voice. "I set a special ringtone for you. No matter how late it is, I'll always answer. I don't want you to worry about not being able to find me."
My chest tightened with emotion. "No one has ever waited for me this late before."
"Well, now someone does."
---
"Grace," I said softly. "Can I ask you something?"
"Anything."
"The way you're so good to me... is it because you feel obligated? Or do you..." I paused. "Do you actually like me that much?"
Her soft laugh made me feel warm all over.
"Out of obligation, I should be good to you," she said gently. "But Alex... I can't be good to someone I don't like. I just can't do it."
She likes me. She chose me.
"Darling, I'll remember what you said today."
"Good," she whispered, and I could hear the shyness in her voice.
After we hung up, I sat in the darkness for a long time, her words echoing in my mind. I'll be waiting. The warmth in my chest spread outward, pushing back the cold dread that had been consuming me.
---
The next morning, the mountain air was crisp and thin, carrying the scent of pine and morning mist. Throughout the documentary shoot, I kept my distance from Violet, maintaining professional courtesy but nothing more. Every interaction was witnessed by the camera crew, every word carefully measured.
She tried to catch my eye several times, but I focused on the interviewer's questions, on the stunning landscape around us, on anything but the woman who'd once known me better than I knew myself.
"Mr. Morgan," the interviewer was saying, "what drew you to invest in this region's sustainable development?"
I launched into my prepared response about environmental responsibility and long-term economic growth, but part of my mind was already back in Starport, already thinking about Grace's smile when I walked through our door.
Just a few more hours, I told myself. Then I can go home.
---
Violet's POV
Last night's failure kept replaying in my mind, and today he was keeping even more distance from me.
But I wouldn't give up. I had my own plan.
I scrolled through the photos on my assistant's camera—the ones I'd had her secretly take last night. Alex and I standing close together in what looked like an intimate conversation. From a distance, you couldn't see the coldness in his eyes or the way I'd been trembling. It just looked like two people sharing secrets.
"These will work," I murmured, my voice barely steady. "Send them to my secure folder."
My assistant shifted uncomfortably. "Ms. Cooper, I really don't think—"
"I'm not paying you to think," I snapped, then immediately regretted my tone. The poor kid was just doing his job. "I'm sorry. Just... please do as I asked."
He nodded reluctantly and began transferring the files.
Those photos were just the appetizer. I needed a picture of Alex and me in closer proximity, preferably with physical contact.
I began having my assistant continue taking candid shots while I looked for opportunities to get closer to him.
At the observation deck, I saw my chance. The platform jutted out over the valley, its safety railings crude and weathered. It was genuinely dangerous—perfect for what I needed.
When he moved near there, I positioned myself near the edge, then let myself "slip," making an obvious cry of alarm.
Alex's reaction was instant. He lunged forward, grabbing my arm and pulling me back from the precipice. For a moment, we were pressed close together, his strong hands gripping my shoulders.
But then he immediately released me, stepping back with cold efficiency.
"Be more careful," he said curtly.
From the corner of my eye, I saw my assistant's camera flash. Got it.